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Plastic is readily available and inexpensive, so it is becoming the main material for packaging. Unfortunately plastics do not biodegrade and, if reduced in small pieces, contaminate soil and waterways. In the present work, natural films composed of chitosan, methylcellulose, and silica (SiO(2)) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed as new packaging materials. The effect of the incorporation of NPs into the polymeric film matrix was evaluated. An excellent improvement of the mechanical properties was obtained for nanostructured films with a composition of CH:MC 50:50 and NPs 1% w/v that make these materials able to replace plastics and derivatives, reducing environmental pollution.

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I diritti di riproduzione, anche parziale, del testo sono strettamente riservati per tutti i Paesi. The shelflife extension by MAP and AP of a typical cheese tart was studied. Baked tarts were packaged inside barrier to gas trays and wrapped with a barrier to gas and water film. Four batches were prepared: 1) ControI; 2) MAP with different N 2 / CO 2 ratios (70/30 and 20/80); 3) Trays with an iron oxide-based oxygen absorber. Tarts were stored at 20°C and sampIed for analysis at 0,7, 14,27,35 and 48 days. Determinations inc1uded microbioIogical analyses (total bacterial count, mouIds, yeast and staphyIococci), chemical-physical parameters (pH, water activity and dry matter), gas changes (C0 2 , 02 and N 2 ) inside MAP and AP trays, texture evoIution and sensory analysis at our laboratories.AP alIowed a shelf life of 48 days, MAP shelf lives were of 14 and 34 days for 70/30 and (20/80), respectiveIy, while controI tarts spoiled after only 7 days.